Whether you’re picking up a racket for the first time or just looking to brush up on the basics, here’s a detailed breakdown for you.
TIP #1: MINI TENNIS WARM-UP
The first tennis tip we want to serve up is the “mini” court method. This warm-up allows the player to slow down their swings and get a better feel for the ball. To begin, both you and your partner should stand in the middle of the service line. Then you will simply rally the ball back and forth. The goal is to keep the ball live for as long as possible, simply by hitting gentle taps.
TIP #2: HOW TO HOLD A TENNIS RACKET
In tennis there are three main ways to hold a racket: western, eastern, and continental grips. There is no single grip that is right for everyone, and many players use grip variations. The backhand can be tricky, because most players will change their grip slightly. If you have an eastern forehand grip, then most likely your backhand will change to a continental grip. For the continental grip, simply shift the index finger of your dominant hand to the 2nd bevel and hold the handle as if you are shaking someone’s hand.
TIP #3: SWING MOTION
The swing motion is critical because it’s what dictates the direction and outcome of the shot. Whether you’re hitting a forehand or backhand, you should focus on swinging “low to high”. As the ball approaches, you should first turn to the side while bringing the racket back. Then with a fluid motion, from a low to high, swing to make contact with the ball. Starting low and dropping the racket before contact allows the swing to accelerate. Finishing high allows the player to create top spin on the ball.
TIP #4: FOOTWORK
For players just starting out, one of the most difficult techniques of tennis is footwork. Every tennis shot you encounter will never be the same, but here are some footwork tennis tips to help you prepare for the return shot.
- STAY ON YOUR TOES
- DON’T GET TOO CLOSE
- USE STUTTER STEPS
